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Describe Darwin's theory on the formation of barrier reefs and atolls

Describe Darwin's theory on the formation of barrier reefs and atolls

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Faith
According to the Darwin theory, both the barrier reef and atolls develop from a fringing reef that grows on the coast of a subsiding volcanic island. As the island subsides, the coral continues to grow upwards to keep pace with the rising sea level. The reef also grows sea wards more vigorously since there is more food and the water is clearer. The lagoon between the coast and the reef becomes deeper and wider due to the subsidence of the island. Eventually the reef extends a great distance from the coast into the deep waters to form a barrier reef. If the island is completely submerged, the barrier reef becomes a ring of coral reefs referred to as an atoll
Faimus answered the question on January 17, 2018 at 16:17

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